New neighbors, who don't drink (strike one) and hate cigars (strike 2) sauntered over the other night and while lounging on the deck, with our bbq chicken grossly overcooked because we didn't want to be rude and they stayed to long (strike 3), ran home and returned with a bottle of the above that his boss gave him and he doesn't drink so....give it to the neighbors, us.

Clear ruby. Nose of dill, plum and a little chocolate. Flavors of bright plum, vanilla and some strawberry notes. This is a lean wine...very soft with little drying tannins. 13% Alc./vol. IMHO a nice wine to wean white lovers to reds but fo' me no love and affection...kinda how I feel about the new neighbors!

Can I sympathize with Drew! Happens all the time around here with friends who drop in. I try to be nice, but don't let them distract me from finishing the Q. But with new neighbors? People who don't yet know how seriously some of us regard the task of barbecueing? That would be tough! Especially with folks who wouldn't accept an offer of a drink.....

Hell, I have a neighbor (3/4 mile up the road) who's been around a long time. He likes Bordeaux (to keep the Merlot thread going) but he adores Burgundy. The problem is: he is also quite cheap. Unless someone gives him a good bottle of wine he is ready to serve Carlo Rossi to his guests. It is a great ploy on his part because each time we go over for dinner I am forced to bring something great or drink Rossi, or whatever else he has lying about for days.

The last time we had dinner at our place I informed him that the wine will be fine and that he should not bring a bottle; he did, and it was something someone gave him (1.5 litre) that tasted like the someone who gave it had it in for him.

The Grump Posse is now forming. Be kind, smile, open your hearts and cellars to these nice people and maybe, jes' maybe in the near future they'll let you open your last bottle of 70 B.V. Reserve for them.WW

Foodie et all...let me be clear, I do not now nor ever had any bottles from 1970 soooo don't sic Fluflun or Firefly or Scoobydoo or any other "not of this world" thing on me....unless it likes box wine and wine coolers.

But ww still has one bottle and so I must be on my best behavior with him. Who knows, maybe I can get out west for the old guy's next milestone; March 10, is that Pisces? If it is, ole boy, we are soul mates and that is a good reason for you to offer me half the bottle--actually, all of it.

If you were a Pisces And your name was Andre you wouldn't get my last bottle. My close friend Al Braunstein tried to talk me out of my last 74 Volcanic for one of Bepais' tastings....i said " I love you, but NAH!!!" I'll gladly share it and probably will when the time comes. WW